FEATURE/Do you have what it takes to lead today's corporations?

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--June 18, 1996--Here's a little test that may tell you more about your management style than a full day retreat.

Select one statement your employees would say most likely describes you:

A. "He's a John Wayne type -- not afraid to knock a few heads to get the job done."

B. "You know exactly what she wants from you and exactly what you'll get in return for delivering it."

C. "It's exciting to work with such a charismatic leader -- we'd do anything to make his vision come true!"

D. "We lead ourselves ... I know she's helped us get the job done, but I really can't pinpoint how."

According to a new book by Henry J. Sims Jr. and Charles C. Manz, three of the four styles reflected in these statements have all enjoyed considerable favor in the past but only one will work in the downsized, re-engineered company of the '90s.

The book called Company of Heroes, Unleashing the Power of Self-Leadership (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1996) is the third collaboration by these two university business professors. (Manz is Professor of Management at Arizona State University, and Sims is Professor of Management and Organization at the Maryland Business School.)

It explores the authors' philosophy of "SuperLeadership" as defined in their previous books and compares it with other historical views of leadership.

If you chose "A," Manz and Sims advise you to work on your style which they have labeled Strongman. "The Strongman view of leadership is perhaps the earliest leadership form emphasized in our culture and the most representative of the notion of leader as boss," write Manz and Sims. "He is ... the primary source of wisdom and direction. Subordinates comply out of fear."

Unfortunately, they say, this style is almost always male and is still found in many organizations although not highly regarded.

If "B" most fits you, they say you are a Transactor. "Phrases like 'What's in it for me?' and 'I'll make it worth your while' characterize this approach." The focus is on goals and rewards as the driving motivator. This style tends to produce calculating, compliant followers.

Then there is "C," the Visionary Hero. "This probably represents the current most popular view," say the authors. "The leader represents a kind of mythical heroic figure who is somehow able to create an almost larger-than-life vision for the workforce to follow." The drawback is that "followers of the visionary hero might be described as enthusiastic sheep" unable to lead themselves.

Finally, if you chose "D," you are a leader for the future, the SuperLeader. You "have the capacity to create followers who are self-leaders -- a company of self-leading heroes." SuperLeaders "help release the talent, energy, enthusiasm and expertise of everyone in the organization -- not just the people at the top."

In their new book, Manz and Sims explain how managers can become SuperLeaders. Sprinkled liberally with examples and quotations, the book guides those of you who chose "A," "B" or "C" on the path to enlightened management that will help you and your company become a true "Company of Heroes."

A limited number of promotional copies of Company of Heroes, Unleashing the Power of Self-Leadership, are available to media for review. To receive a copy, please contact Jay Taylor at B.J. Communications Inc., 3101 N. Central Ave., Suite 870, Phoenix, AZ 85012, or call 602/277-9530.

CONTACT: B.J. Communications Inc., Phoenix

Jay M. Taylor, 602/277-9530